Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Olympia?
Yes, Olympia's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Olympia has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Olympia's local Twitter account.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Olympia's water utility, City of Olympia, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Olympia was resolved on Oct. 31, 2014. This assessment is based on the City of Olympia water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Olympia Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Olympia tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Olympia's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Olympia Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named City of Olympia for Olympia in Washington. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
From Oct. 1, 2014 to Oct. 31, 2014, Olympia had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Failure to Filter (SWTR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Is there Lead in Olympia Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Olympia water system, City of Olympia, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.001 mg/L of lead in Olympia water. This is 6.7% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Olympia contained more lead.
While Olympia water testing may have found 0.001 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Olympia Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Joint Base Lewis-McChord - Lewis - near Olympia with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Olympia has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
Olympia SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
| Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/01/2014 - 10/31/2014 | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Failure to Filter (SWTR) (42) | Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) | Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Olympia Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | PO BOX 1967 OLYMPIA, WA, 98507-1967 |
Existing customers can login to their City of Olympia account to pay their Olympia water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your City of Olympia bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Olympia water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Olympia water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Olympia means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Olympia. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Olympia means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Olympia. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
The estimated price of bottled water
$2.58 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Olympia, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Olympia Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Olympia's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
2021 Water Quality Report
olympiawa.gov/waterquality
2021 Water Quality Report
Water System #: 634506 |
March 2021 |
The City of Olympia is required by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide this information annually to our customers. The EPA refers to this report as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). In 2020, the City’s water met all State and Federal drinking water requirements.
Within the 2021 Water Quality Report, customers will find important information about the City of Olympia’s drinking water.
Table of Contents |
Page Number(s) |
|
Test Result Tables |
1 – 4 |
|
What Contaminants Does the City Test For? |
4 |
|
Testing for PFAS in Drinking Water |
4 |
|
Definition of Terms |
5 |
|
Water Source Information |
6 |
|
How to Get Involved |
6 |
|
Important Health Information |
7 |
|
Contaminants and Health Concerns |
7 |
|
Required Statement Regarding Lead |
7 |
|
Program Information: |
8 |
|
• |
Groundwater Protection |
|
• |
Cross Connection Control |
|
Staff Contact Information |
9 |
|
City of Olympia | 2021 Water Quality Report | olympiawa.gov/wqreport
Refer to page 5 for acronyms and definitions.
Water Supply System (Tap Water) After Chlorination (2020)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Range of Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
Typical Source of |
|
|
Contaminant (Units) |
|
|
MCL |
|
|
MCLG |
|
|
Detected |
|
|
Testing Frequency |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contamination |
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Coliform Bacteria |
|
|
95% of samples |
|
|
Zero |
|
|
Zero |
|
|
80 times per month |
|
|
Naturally occurring in |
|
|
|
|
must have zero |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
at a minimum |
|
|
the environment |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
detections |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chlorine residual (ppm) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Metered |
|
|
Disinfectant in the |
|
|
|
|
4 ppm |
|
|
4 ppm |
|
|
0.02 – 1.72 ppm |
|
|
|
|
water treatment |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
continuously |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
process |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disinfection
|
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (ppb) |
|
|
60 ppb |
|
|
Zero |
|
|
<3.00 & 3.80 ppb |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) |
|
|
80 ppb |
|
|
Zero |
|
|
10.80 & 12.40 ppb |
|
|
(ppb) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annually
Lead and Copper Results – Taken at Customer’s Tap (2019)
|
Contaminant |
|
|
|
|
|
City Water |
|
|
Number of Sites |
|
|
Range of Amount |
|
|
Testing |
|
|
Typical Source of |
|
|
|
|
MCL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Detected |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
(Units) |
|
|
|
|
Amount Detected |
|
|
Above the AL |
|
|
|
|
Frequency |
|
|
Contamination |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper (ppm) |
|
Action Level* (AL) |
|
90% of the homes: |
|
|
|
|
0.001 – 0.189 ppm |
|
30 samples |
|
Corrosion of |
||||||
|
|
1.3 ppm |
|
0.11 ppm |
|
0 out of |
|
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
every three |
|
household |
||||||||
|
|
|
|
Action Level** (AL) |
|
90% of the homes: |
|
94 sampled |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Lead (ppb) |
|
|
|
|
0 - 7 ppb |
|
years |
|
plumbing |
||||||||||
|
|
15 ppb |
|
1 ppb |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Action Level for Copper – 90% of the homes tested must have levels less than 1.3 ppm detected.
- Action Level for Lead – 90% of the homes tested must have levels less than 15 ppb detected.
pH – City of Olympia Water Sources (2020)
Water Source |
Daily pH Average |
McAllister Wellfield |
7.47 – 7.89 |
|
|
Shana Park |
7.46 – 8.19 |
|
|
Allison Springs |
7.14 – 7.73 |
The following wells are not online and therefore do not have data in the table above:
Hoffman, Kaiser and Indian Summer.
City of Olympia | 2021 Water Quality Report | olympiawa.gov/wqreport |
1 |
Refer to page 5 for acronyms and definitions.
Drinking Water Source Inorganic Test Results
|
McAllister |
Allison Springs |
Allison Springs |
|
|
|
|
Contaminant |
Wellfield |
Well #13 |
Well #19 |
Units |
SRL |
Trigger Level |
MCL |
|
(2019 Test Results) |
(2014 Test Results) |
(2014 Test Results) |
|
|
|
|
Arsenic |
0.001 |
<0.001 |
<0.001 |
ppm |
0.001 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
Barium |
0.003 |
0.002 |
0.0035 |
ppm |
0.001 |
2 |
2 |
Cadmium |
<0.001 |
<0.001 |
<0.001 |
ppm |
0.001 |
0.005 |
0.005 |
Chromium |
0.0006 |
<0.001 |
<0.001 |
ppm |
0.001 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
Mercury |
<0.0002 |
<0.0002 |
<0.0002 |
ppm |
0.0002 |
0.002 |
0.002 |
Selenium |
<0.002 |
<0.002 |
<0.002 |
ppm |
0.002 |
0.05 |
0.05 |
Beryllium |
<0.001 |
<0.001 |
<0.001 |
ppm |
0.001 |
0.004 |
0.004 |
Nickel |
<0.005 |
<0.005 |
<0.005 |
ppm |
0.005 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
Antimony |
<0.001 |
<0.001 |
<0.001 |
ppm |
0.001 |
0.006 |
0.006 |
Thallium |
<0.001 |
<0.001 |
<0.001 |
ppm |
0.001 |
0.002 |
0.002 |
Cyanide |
<0.01 |
<0.01 |
<0.01 |
ppm |
0.01 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
Fluoride |
<0.1 |
<0.2 |
<0.2 |
ppm |
0.2 |
2 |
4 |
Nitrite |
<0.1* |
<0.1* |
<0.1* |
ppm |
0.5 |
0.5 |
1 |
Nitrate |
0.41* |
1.06* |
1.00* |
ppm |
0.5 |
5 |
10 |
Nitrate + Nitrite<N |
0.41* |
1.06* |
1.00* |
ppm |
0.5 |
5 |
10 |
Iron |
<0.10 |
<0.1 |
<0.1 |
ppm |
0.1 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
Manganese |
<0.001 |
<0.001 |
<0.001 |
ppm |
0.001 |
0.05 |
0.05 |
Silver |
<0.01 |
<0.01 |
<0.01 |
ppm |
0.01 |
0.05 |
0.05 |
Chloride |
4.8 |
5.3 |
6.9 |
ppm |
20 |
250 |
250 |
Sulfate |
3.2 |
2.8 |
6.9 |
ppm |
10 |
250 |
250 |
Zinc |
<0.005 |
<0.005 |
<0.005 |
ppm |
0.005 |
5 |
5 |
Sodium |
5.91 |
5.6 |
6.8 |
ppm |
5 |
n/a |
n/a |
Hardness as Calcium Carbonate |
49.0 |
56.3 |
62.2 |
ppm |
10 |
n/a |
n/a |
Conductivity |
131 |
133 |
155 |
uS/cm |
10 |
700 |
700 |
Turbidity |
0.22 |
0.15 |
0.11 |
NTU |
0.01 |
1 |
1 |
Color |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
Color Unit |
5 |
15 |
15 |
Lead |
<0.001 |
<0.001 |
<0.001 |
ppm |
0.001 |
n/a |
0.015 |
Copper |
<0.007 |
<0.005 |
<0.005 |
ppm |
0.005 |
n/a |
1.3 |
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) |
123 |
n/a |
n/a |
ppm |
150 |
n/a |
500 |
* 2020 test results. All inorganic compounds are tested every nine years.
City of Olympia | 2021 Water Quality Report | olympiawa.gov/wqreport |
2 |
Refer to page 5 for acronyms and definitions.
Drinking Water Source Inorganic Test Results (2014)
|
Contaminant |
|
|
Shana Park Well |
|
|
Hoffman Well #8 |
|
|
Indian Summer |
|
|
Units |
|
|
SRL |
|
|
Trigger Level |
|
|
MCL |
|
|
|
|
#11 |
|
|
|
|
Well #20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arsenic |
0.002 |
|
<0.001 |
|
<0.001 |
|
|
ppm |
0.001 |
|
0.01 |
|
0.01 |
|
||||||||
|
Barium |
0.0024 |
|
0.013 |
|
0.005 |
|
|
ppm |
0.001 |
|
2 |
|
2 |
|
||||||||
|
Cadmium |
<0.001 |
|
<0.001 |
|
<0.001 |
|
|
ppm |
0.001 |
|
0.005 |
|
0.005 |
|
||||||||
|
Chromium |
<0.001 |
|
<0.001 |
|
<0.001 |
|
|
ppm |
0.001 |
|
0.1 |
|
0.1 |
|
||||||||
|
Mercury |
<0.0002 |
|
<0.001 |
|
<0.0002 |
|
|
ppm |
0.0002 |
|
0.002 |
|
0.002 |
|
||||||||
|
Selenium |
<0.002 |
|
<0.0002 |
|
<0.002 |
|
|
ppm |
0.002 |
|
0.05 |
|
0.05 |
|
||||||||
|
Beryllium |
<0.001 |
|
<0.001 |
|
<0.001 |
|
|
ppm |
0.001 |
|
0.004 |
|
0.004 |
|
||||||||
|
Nickel |
<0.005 |
|
<0.005 |
|
<0.005 |
|
|
ppm |
0.005 |
|
0.1 |
|
0.1 |
|
||||||||
|
Antimony |
<0.001 |
|
<0.001 |
|
<0.001 |
|
|
ppm |
0.001 |
|
0.006 |
|
0.006 |
|
||||||||
|
Thallium |
<0.001 |
|
<0.001 |
|
<0.001 |
|
|
ppm |
0.001 |
|
0.002 |
|
0.002 |
|
||||||||
|
Cyanide |
<0.01 |
|
<0.01 |
|
<0.01 |
|
|
ppm |
0.01 |
|
0.2 |
|
0.2 |
|
||||||||
|
Fluoride |
<0.2 |
|
<0.2 |
|
<0.2 |
|
|
ppm |
0.2 |
|
2 |
|
4 |
|
||||||||
|
Nitrite |
<0.1* |
|
<0.1* |
|
<0.1* |
|
|
ppm |
0.5 |
|
0.5 |
|
1 |
|
||||||||
|
Nitrate |
2.65* |
|
0.13* |
|
<0.50* |
|
|
ppm |
0.5 |
|
5 |
|
10 |
|
||||||||
|
Nitrate + Nitrite<N |
2.65* |
|
0.13* |
|
<0.50* |
|
|
ppm |
0.5 |
|
5 |
|
10 |
|
||||||||
|
Iron |
<0.1 |
|
1.02** |
|
0.66** |
|
|
ppm |
0.1 |
|
0.3 |
|
0.3 |
|
||||||||
|
Manganese |
<0.001 |
|
0.17*** |
|
0.003*** |
|
|
ppm |
0.001 |
|
0.05 |
|
0.05 |
|
||||||||
|
Silver |
<0.01 |
|
<0.01 |
|
<0.01 |
|
|
ppm |
0.01 |
|
0.05 |
|
0.05 |
|
||||||||
|
Chloride |
5.3 |
|
3.3 |
|
6.7 |
|
|
ppm |
20 |
|
250 |
|
250 |
|
||||||||
|
Sulfate |
2.9 |
|
6.2 |
|
6.8 |
|
|
ppm |
10 |
|
250 |
|
250 |
|
||||||||
|
Zinc |
<0.005 |
|
0.009 |
|
0.008 |
|
|
ppm |
0.005 |
|
5 |
|
5 |
|
||||||||
|
Sodium |
5.6 |
|
6.1 |
|
6.8 |
|
|
ppm |
5 |
|
|
n/a |
|
n/a |
||||||||
|
Hardness as Calcium Carbonate |
56.5 |
|
45.2 |
|
62.1 |
|
|
ppm |
10 |
|
|
n/a |
|
n/a |
||||||||
|
Conductivity |
133 |
|
120 |
|
155 |
|
|
uS/cm |
10 |
|
700 |
|
700 |
|
||||||||
|
Turbidity |
0.14 |
|
1.64 |
|
0.57 |
|
|
NTU |
0.01 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
||||||||
|
Color |
<5 |
|
15 |
|
<5 |
|
|
Color Unit |
5 |
|
15 |
|
15 |
|
||||||||
|
Lead |
<0.001 |
|
<0.001 |
|
<0.001 |
|
|
ppm |
0.001 |
|
|
n/a |
0.015 |
|
||||||||
|
Copper |
<0.005 |
|
<0.005 |
|
<0.005 |
|
|
ppm |
0.005 |
|
|
n/a |
1.3 |
|
||||||||
- 2020 test results. All inorganic compounds are tested every nine years. ** Iron is a secondary contaminant that can cause aesthetic issues.
- Manganese is a secondary contaminant, that can cause aesthetic issues. Recent published studies indicate higher levels of Manganese may have potential health effects.
City of Olympia | 2021 Water Quality Report | olympiawa.gov/wqreport |
3 |
Refer to page 5 for acronyms and definitions.
Quarterly Distribution: Alkalinity Results and pH Field Readings (2020)
Quarter |
Alkalinity Range (mg CaCO3/L) |
pH Range |
|
|
|
January – March |
58.5 – 62.20 |
7.40 – 7.94 |
April – June |
50.3 – 61.6 |
7.46 – 7.76 |
July – September |
48.8 – 62.3 |
7.20 – 7.59 |
October – December |
53.6 – 61.0 |
7.06 – 7.33 |
Required for optimization of the distribution system when we raised the pH to come into full compliance with the lead and copper rule.
What Contaminants Does the City Test For?
Please follow this link to view the list of all contaminants that the City of Olympia is required to test. The contaminants in the list are tested at a frequency of every one to nine years. olympiawa.gov/waterquality
Testing for PFAS in Drinking Water
PFAS are widely used as coatings in common consumer products such as food packaging, outdoor clothing, carpets, leather goods, ski and snowboard waxes and firefighting foam. PFAS chemicals are very persistent in the environment. They do not break down or go away easily.
In 2013, under the UCMR 3 rule the City of Olympia sampled for select PFAS compounds and all were “non detect” (below 0.01 - 0.09 parts per billion).
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Office of Drinking Water decided PFAS contaminants need to be regulated in the State of Washington and is in the process of finalizing the action levels and other components for regulating this contaminant. When the new rule is finalized, the City may be required to sample for PFAS chemicals in drinking water at lower detection levels. The State Action Level (SAL) should be finalized by the end of 2021.
City of Olympia | 2021 Water Quality Report | olympiawa.gov/wqreport
4
Definition of Terms
Action Level (AL) |
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other |
|
requirements that a water system must follow. |
Inorganic Contaminants |
Salts and metals, which can occur naturally or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial |
|
or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, and farming. |
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) |
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk |
|
to health. MCLG allows for a margin of safety. |
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) |
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to |
|
the MCLGs as feasible, using the best available treatment technology. |
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level |
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that |
(MRDL) |
the addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants. |
mg CaCO3/L |
Milligrams of Calcium Carbonate per Liter. This is a measurement alkalinity. |
Microbial Contaminants |
Viruses, parasites, and bacteria that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, |
|
agricultural livestock operations, or wildlife. |
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) |
Unit by which turbidity is measures. |
Organic Chemical Contaminants |
Includes synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are |
|
processes and petroleum production. They can also come from gas stations, urban |
|
stormwater runoff, and septic systems. |
Parts Per Billion (ppb) |
A part per billion is a unit of measurement. It is equivalent to about one dissolved aspirin |
|
tablet (or 326 mg) in a |
|
years, or a single penny in $10,000,000. This unit is interchangeable with micrograms per liter |
|
(ug/L). |
Parts Per Million (ppm) |
Parts per million is a unit of measurement. One part per million is equivalent to about half of a |
|
dissolved aspirin tablet (or 162 mg) in a full bathtub of water (about 50 gallons), one minute in |
|
two years, or a single penny in $10,000. This unit is interchangeable with milligrams per liter |
|
(mg/L). |
Pesticides and Herbicides |
May come from various sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff and residential |
|
uses. |
Radioactive Contaminants |
Occurs naturally or results from oil and gas production and mining activities. |
State Action Level (SAL) |
The concentration of a contaminant or group of contaminants established to protect public |
|
health when there is no MCL. If exceeded, a SAL triggers required monitoring and public |
|
health notices. |
State Reporting Level (SRL) |
The minimum reporting level required by the State of Washington Department of Health |
|
(DOH). |
Trigger Level |
A level set by Washington State DOH that if compounds are detected above this level will |
|
trigger additional sampling. |
City of Olympia | 2021 Water Quality Report | olympiawa.gov/wqreport |
5 |
Water Source Information
In 2020, City of Olympia drinking water was supplied by McAllister Wellfield and three additional groundwater sources. The McAllister Wellfield provided 76% of our drinking water. To help meet demands, the City used three other wells (Shana Park Well #11, Allison Springs Wells #13 and #19) to supply 24% of the water supply. Hoffman Well #3 and Indian Summer Well #20 are on standby as additional water sources. Kaiser Well #1 is an emergency well.
Olympia’s water sources and locations (source numbers in parentheses):
Nisqually Basin |
West Olympia |
East Olympia |
||
• McAllister Wellfield (S16) |
• Allison Springs Well #13 (S09) |
• Shana Park Well #11 (S10) |
||
|
• |
Allison Springs Well #19 (S11) |
• |
Hoffman Well #3 (S08) |
|
• |
Kaiser Well #1 (S03) |
• |
Indian Summer Well #20 (S12) |
The City uses two types of water treatment: 1) chlorination, and 2) air strippers.
- Chlorination disinfects the drinking water.
- Air strippers (used at Shana Park, Allison Springs and McAllister Wellfield) increase the pH of the drinking water, which helps to decrease the possibility of leaching lead and copper from household plumbing.
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Office of Drinking Water assessed the susceptibility of Olympia’s water sources to risk of contamination. DOH determined the McAllister Wellfield, Hoffman, and Indian Summer wells as having low risk; the Allison Springs wells as having moderate risk; and the Shana Park well as being at a high risk of contamination. Our wells are at risk of contamination from such things as road spills, stormwater, septic systems and hazardous materials, including pesticides and fertilizers. Maps of our Drinking Water Protection Areas can be viewed at: www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/sw
DOH grants the City of Olympia waivers for certain monitoring requirements if previous monitoring results conclude that the risk of contamination by a specific substance is very low.
How To Get Involved
The Olympia City Council meets Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) meets the first Thursday of each month (except January, July and August) at 5:30 p.m. All City public meetings are held virtually until further notice.
City of Olympia | 2021 Water Quality Report | olympiawa.gov/wqreport |
6 |
Important Health Information
To ensure the tap water you drink is safe, the DOH and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in drinking water. The Food and Drug Administration and the Washington Department of Agriculture set limits for contaminants in bottled water and both must provide the same protection for public health.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1.800.426.4791).
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk for infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1.800.426.4791).
Contaminants and Health Concerns
As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material. It also picks up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include microbial contaminants, inorganic contaminants, organic chemical contaminants, pesticides and herbicides, and radioactive contaminants.
Required Statement Regarding Lead
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City of Olympia is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components.
When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your drinking water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1.800.426.4791) or at: www.epa.gov/safewater/lead
City of Olympia | 2021 Water Quality Report | olympiawa.gov/wqreport
7
2021 Water Quality Report
Program Information
Groundwater Protection
Groundwater protection helps ensure that cool, clear, safe and abundant drinking water enters our homes. Caring about the water that leaves our homes after we use it is also an important part of groundwater protection.
Safely managing our wastewater is critical to protecting our groundwater – whether our wastewater is treated by LOTT Clean Water Alliance (our local sewage treatment plant) or by private onsite septic systems. LOTT treats wastewater to meet strict State standards before disposal. Septic systems treat wastewater from homes, businesses, schools and other dwellings, ultimately releasing that water onsite underground and into our aquifers.
Do you know where your wastewater is treated? Use the City’s Drinking Water Protection Area Lookup Map and Sewer Lookup Map to see if you use a septic system within a critical groundwater protection area. To learn how to use your septic system effectively and protect our groundwater, check out Thurston County’s Septic System website.
For more information on the City’s Groundwater Protection Program, call 360.753.8793.
For more information, visit the City’s website, olympiawa.gov/groundwater
Cross Connection Control
Olympia residents enjoy safe, reliable drinking water everyday, thanks to our dedicated City staff who operate and maintain our water system. As a City of Olympia customer, your diligence in annual backflow testing helps protect the City’s water system too.
Many people assume the water supply only flows in one direction, due to always being under pressure. Water can actually flow in both directions in water mains and service lines, potentially causing disastrous effects. Water will always flow towards the path of least resistance. For example, if there is a water main break or fire, requiring heavy water use that lowers the pressure in the water main, contaminants can get siphoned back into the water supply.
To prevent this from happening,
For more information regarding the City’s Cross Connection Control Program, contact Jacob Larson, 360.753.8161 or email jlarson@ci.olympia.wa.us
Visit the City’s website to learn more: olympiawa.gov/backflow
City of Olympia | 2021 Water Quality Report | olympiawa.gov/wqreport |
8 |
2021 Water Quality Report
If you have questions, or would like to request a copy of this report, please contact:
Cheri Reimers
Water Quality Specialist
City of Olympia, Public Works Department
Mailing Address: PO Box 1967, Olympia WA
Phone: 360.709.2774
Email: creimers@ci.olympia.wa.us
To access a PDF of this report, visit: olympiawa.gov/wqreport
You can also visit the City of Olympia’s Water Quality webpage for more information on Olympia’s drinking water: olympiawa.gov/waterquality
The City of Olympia is committed to the
City of Olympia | 2021 Water Quality Report | olympiawa.gov/wqreport |
9 |
Contaminants
City of Olympia
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Washington State Department of Health, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 59550
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Groundwater
- Total: 18
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Arsenic
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Nitrate
- Nitrate and nitrite
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- Barium
- Bromochloroacetic acid
- Bromoform
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Manganese
- Strontium
- Vanadium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.
Sources and Resources
Sources Cited
Additional Resources
What is in our drinking water in Olympia, WA? Well, it seems that the Washington State Health Department has just about done its job in setting the record straight. They have found that there are many dangerous contaminants in our tap water in Olympia, WA. Although I am not sure about you, I find that most of the heavy metals and cancer-causing compounds, such as Chromium, Trichloroethylene (TCE), lead, and mercury, are all present in the water. This means a link between consuming harmful chemicals and causing health problems, both short-term and long-term.
So, what can be done to solve this problem? The only logical way, and the only solution we have at hand, is to invest in a home water purification system. Why would you do this? If you love your tap water in Olympia, WA, and want to feel safe and healthy again, this is the direction to go. But, before you run out and buy a water filter system, here are some things that you might like to know.
First, having your home water purifier in place will allow you to enjoy fresh-tasting water whenever you want. This is especially true if you are always traveling. You will no longer have to worry about buying water that you may not drink. A good system for your home can mean the difference between staying healthy and spending a lot of money on bottled water to quench your thirst. This can also be a significant cost-saver over time.